Top 5 Lakes around Lough Leane

We really enjoyed visiting Ross Castle in Killarney. This castle is particularly impressive from the outside and the surroundings with the beautiful lake are just totally romantic. I personally didn't find the interior that spectacular, but once you've had a look around the castle you'll be rewarded with a fantastic view at the top!

The house tower with its outer wall and corner towers, of which the remains of two are still there, was built in the 15th century. Many of these "tower houses" were built in Ireland during this period. The one at Ross Castle was restored as authentically as possible by the Irish state with great attention to detail and is therefore considered a special feature. Inside there is old furniture from other places, but it could have been there too. You can only visit the inside of the tower with a guided tour and photos are not allowed. I cannot understand the reasons for this, but the owner of the house decides. Taking part in a guided tour is highly recommended. Among other things, you learn why the spiral staircases run clockwise and what this has to do with the demonization of left-handed people, which lasted well into the 20th century. From the outside you can see the renovations in the 17th and especially the 18th century, when the castle was converted into a barracks. After the victory over Napoleon, this barracks also lost importance, as a French invasion was no longer the biggest concern. The property was returned to the owner family. They had naturally made their homes comfortable elsewhere in the meantime, and a medieval dwelling is anything but comfortable. In the 19th century, the castle was romanticized in keeping with the spirit of the times, without considering the history of the buildings. A British-Irish peculiarity is the roof tax. The owner had the roof removed for this reason. Otherwise he would have had to pay taxes for an unused second home. The renovations and the missing roof caused the tower in particular to fall into disrepair. Until people remembered the cultural heritage and restored it.

The path to Library Point is just over 2km from Ross Castle and is the most direct route. It can be extended to a beautiful 5km return trip by including the Copper Mines Loop on either the outward or return trip. At Library Point itself, there is a short loop around the peninsula's headland with several beautiful views. This optional loop trail is worth a short detour as it follows some forest trails high above the lake shore. It would be interesting to know where the name "Library Point" comes from - one thing is clear: there are no bookshelves here... http://killarneyguide.ie/library-point

Very nice castle ruins on the outskirts of the city. You can visit them on foot, by horse-drawn carriage or by boat. A visit is also possible.

The trail to Library Point is just over 2 km from Ross Castle via the most direct route. It can be extended to a nice 5km return trip by including the Copper Mines loop on either the outward or return leg. At Library Point itself, there is a short loop around the headland of the peninsula with multiple nice outlooks. This optional loop is well worth the short detour as it skirts along some woodland paths high above the lakeshore below. It would be interesting to know where the name "Library Point" comes from - one thing is clear: There are no bookshelves here... https://killarneyguide.ie/library-point/ https://greatruns.com/killarney-river-walk-and-footpaths-to-library-point/

Ross Castle perches in an inlet of Lough Leane. It is likely that the Irish chieftain O’Donoghue Mór built it in the fifteenth century. Legend has it that O’Donoghue still slumbers under the waters of the lake. Every seven years, on the first morning of May, he rises on his magnificent white horse. If you manage to catch a glimpse of him you will enjoy good fortune for the rest of your life. Ross Castle was the last place in Munster to hold out against Cromwell. Its defenders, then led by Lord Muskerry, took confidence from a prophecy holding that the castle could only be taken by a ship. Knowing of the prophecy, the Cromwellian commander, General Ludlow, launched a large boat on the lake. When the defenders saw it, this hastened the surrender – and the prophecy was fulfilled. https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/ross-castle/

It is worth taking the loop round Ross Island to take in the views over Lough Leane towards Cow Island and Rough Island. Just behind you is 'Blue Hole'. So called due to the greeny blue hue of the water from the deposits of copper, lead and zinc ore found there.

The deep blue waters of the lake, framed by majestic mountains, mysterious valleys and lively rivers, offer hikers an unforgettable experience. The hiking trails around Muckross Lake are varied and appeal to both beginners and experienced hikers. The majority of the paths are well developed and easy for everyone to walk on. They lead through dense forests, past bubbling streams and always offer breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding landscape. For those looking for a challenge, there are also more demanding routes that will make any adventure seeker's heart beat faster. A highlight and at the same time one of the most famous paths is the “Way Along the Muckross Lake”. This 8km trail hugs the lake's shoreline and offers hikers the opportunity to circumnavigate Muckross Lake in all its glory. The hike can be completed in one day, although sufficient time should be allowed for breaks, photo stops and a picnic on the lakeshore. Especially on warm days, the lake itself offers perfect refreshment and the picnic areas on the shore invite you to linger. And who knows, you might be lucky enough to find ripe blackberries in the surrounding bushes, if they haven't already been spotted by other enjoyable hikers! You can find more highlights and tours in western County Cork here: https://www.komoot.de/collection/2437462/-county-cork-west.